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Bielema: Collins Should Be Fine After Late Injury

Bielema: Collins Should Be Fine After Late Injury

Marc F. Henning * Arkansas News Bureau Arkansas running back Alex Collins carries the ball during the first half of the Razorbacks' game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013, against the Tigers at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville.

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas received a late scare in Saturday’s 35-17 loss to Auburn when running back Alex Collins had to leave the field with an injury.

But coach Bret Bielema indicated after the game Collins’ issue wasn’t serious.

“Alex, I think, is all right,” Bielema said. “They took him for an X-ray there.”

Collins, who had to be tended to by the training staff on the field after Arkansas’ last offensive play Saturday, finished with 92 rushing yards on 18 carries. He leads Arkansas in rushing this season with 889 yards on 159 attempts and is key to an offense that has scored its most points (17) since the Texas A&M loss on Sept. 29.

So is quarterback Brandon Allen, who missed time earlier in the game after being injured at the end of a scramble. Allen, who slid, got a cleat in the shin from an Auburn player and had to be carted off the field and to Arkansas’ locker room.

“When I went out there and saw that, I quickly turned away,” Bielema said. “Wasn’t the prettiest thing you’ve ever seen. Pretty deep gash. He got stapled up and was trying to get back out there as soon as possible. I think those kids will be fine.”

Allen was replaced by backup A.J. Derby, who had a pass tipped at the line of scrimmage and intercepted by Auburn two plays later. Derby lost a fumble on a botched snap on the next series. He had two turnovers in eight plays.

Allen returned and finished the game. He completed 10 of 22 passes for 112 yards with a 13-yard touchdown pass to receiver Keon Hatcher. It was Arkansas’ first touchdown pass since the third quarter against the Aggies.

“I tell you what, that kid … He definitely gives us our best chance of winning. There ain’t no doubt about that at this point,” Bielema said. “If you saw that gaping hole in his shin, for him to play that game the way he did was pretty impressive.”